Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Stockholm

Stockholm's universities, like the University of Stockholm, the Royal Institute of Technology, and the Karolinska Institute, are known for their high academic standards, which attracts many international students eager to experience Nordic culture.

Don't worry if you can't speak Swedish! Stockholm is a multicultural city where most people speak English, so it's helpful to master English for easy communication with your flatmates. However, learning basic Swedish can make locals more welcoming as they appreciate the effort.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Stockholm

Here are some of the pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Swedish capital:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Stockholm

• Finding a spare room in a shared apartment allows you to choose better features and location, as the rent will take up less of your total budget. You can live in vibrant neighbourhoods like Sibirien or Vasastaden to be close to the universities.
• Having roommates can make living in areas far from the centre less lonely.
• If you have Swedish roommates, you'll get a closer look at the local culture and gastronomy.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Stockholm

• Swedish students get priority on the waiting lists for university residences, making it tough for internationals to secure these spots.
• Rent in Stockholm is expensive, and many available accommodations are far from the city centre, meaning you'll spend more time and money on public transport.
• Make sure to check if the cost of bills is included in the rent. Electricity can be quite expensive, especially in the winter because of heating.

Erasmus Apps for your exchange programme in Stockholm

Using apps for Erasmus+, you can access plenty of useful information regarding both procedures and life in the city. Students often suggest that the best way to dive into Swedish culture is by having local flatmates or joining student associations to participate in affordable activities.

How to meet people in Stockholm

Sharing a flat is a great way to make friends with your roommates through various activities. Here are other ways to meet people in the Swedish capital:

Student associations in Stockholm

Universities in Stockholm have several associations, known as Student unions, that you can join. However, the preferred association for Erasmus students is ESN Stockholm, which mainly caters to young internationals on exchange in Stockholm.

Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Stockholm

There are several Facebook groups organised by academic year, where you can connect with other students who will be in Stockholm at the same time. The ESN Stockholm Facebook group posts activity calendars featuring game nights, excursions around the city or to nearby places like Gotland, and sports like climbing, hiking, or cycling.

WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Stockholm

WhatsApp groups make it easy to introduce yourself and meet other students with similar interests. You can also organise your own plans and join activities arranged by others.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Stockholm

Here are some tips to help you adjust to life in the Swedish capital:

• You'll quickly get used to enjoying fika, a cherished Swedish tradition where locals take a break from work or study to meet friends for coffee and a snack. Use these moments to try treats like chokladboll (chocolate ball) or kanelbullar (cinnamon roll).
• Going out to bars or clubs can be expensive, so students usually don’t do it every night. Instead, they often gather in residences or flats. Find out about the social atmosphere of the apartment you’re moving into to see if it matches your preference for either lively gatherings or a quieter environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about sharing a flat in Stockholm

Flat sharing in other Erasmus cities

Flatshare in Gothenburg

Flatshare in Huddinge

Flatshare in Malmö

Flatshare in Uppsala